Ryder Cup 2014: It’s a week like no other - caddie Craig Connelly - BBC Sport Ryder Cup 2014: It’s a week like no other - caddie Craig Connelly By Iain Carter Read more about sharing. Craig Connelly caddied for Ryder Cup winner Martin Kaymer in 2012 Team Europe erupted in tumultuous celebration, but one of their number still had a simple task to perform before he could join in. Caddie Craig Connelly had been leaning on the flagstick on Medinah's 18th green watching his boss sink the putt that retained the Ryder Cup. Then his task was to return the pin to the hole and, while Martin Kaymer leapt into the arms of Sergio Garcia and was mobbed by his team-mates, Connelly turned to offer his hand to a disconsolate Steve Stricker of the US. This was the moment, two years ago, that Europe completed their comeback from the dead to maintain their grip on the famous trophy, which became known as the 'miracle of Medinah'. They'd trailed by four points going into the final day singles.

"I think it was the ultimate," Connelly says of that magical moment in the Chicago suburbs. And now the man from Clydebank is looking forward to more of the same as a Scotsman at a Scottish Ryder Cup. "That was by far the most amazing experience I've ever had," said Connelly The caddies perform vital roles for both teams. The players face unique pressures over the three days of competition and their faithful lieutenants provide crucial input to help them cope. "For us, it starts Monday when we get together - and then Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, it's the practice rounds," Connolly told BBC Sport. "It's very different. You do things that you don't normally do, like playing fourballs in practice; 18 holes as well. We caddies eat together and pretty much everybody goes off to bed at the same time." On tour, the caddies are at the constant beck and call of their players. The job is far more than shouldering their heavy bags. Caddies advise on tactics and club selection, provide psychological support, come up with travel plans and ensure everything is where it needs to be for their boss to compete without concern. At the Ryder Cup, the bagman's lot is made much easier.

"There're 12 of us; we have a caddie captain and we have Julian (Phillips), 'the Ferret', who is a great help to us," Connelly said. "He is very much the backbone of our support. We have Julian at the hotel and in the locker room, and he makes sure that we don't want for anything. Whatever we need, he's there for us." Lugging the player's bag for 36 holes isn't as arduous as you might think either. Connelly added: "You can dump the umbrella and the waterproofs and whatever else you have in the bag, because during the fourballs and foursomes you've always got somebody with you. "There's a vice-captain and a driver, so you can offload every thing in the bag and so it's always pretty light. "It's a week like no other and the camaraderie is unique; you forge friendships for life. It really is something to savour." And that's even more the case this time for the Scot, whose fondness for team golf extends beyond the Ryder Cup.

Connelly has worked extensively with Paul Casey "I was very fortunate to caddie at the Solheim Cup at Loch Lomond on a course where I grew up caddying," said Connelly, who was working for Trish Johnson in 2000 when Europe beat the United States 14½-11½ to win the trophy for the second time. "That was a huge achievement for me - one I'll never forget. Great memories, especially the way the girls won it." Such experiences undoubtedly helped Connelly cope with the drama that unfolded on the final day at Medinah in 2012. "Martin's play going into it wasn't the best," his caddie admitted. "He didn't have all that much confidence in his game. He didn't play particularly well on the Friday and he said that he felt he let Justin Rose down. "And then to get dropped on Saturday was very disappointing. You're just cheerleading the whole day and it's very difficult." With Europe trailing heavily, Connelly admitted there was a slight feeling of 'what's the point' heading out in the 11th singles match against Stricker on that fateful Sunday.

But Europe surged back and when their match embarked on the closing holes, they knew there was plenty at stake - the presence of skipper Jose Maria Olazabal reinforced the point. "Jose Maria came up up to Martin on 16 and put his arm round him and said: 'I don't care how you do it, but just get that point.' And I thought: 'Right, fair enough, OK, the man has spoken, so we've got to deliver.'" Connelly has shared in Kaymer's victories in the US Open and Players' Championship this year Ultimately it came down to that last seven-foot putt on the home green. If Kaymer sank it, Europe would reach 14 points and the trophy was safe. The image of the late Seve Ballesteros had been embroidered on all the European shirts, and it was that image that Connelly saw as the crucial putt approached. "I was leaning against the flag and I could see my left sleeve and Seve was there, so I looked up and thought, well, you're all around us," Connelly recalled. He had every faith in Kaymer, saying.

"I actually said to someone before the Ryder Cup, the Germans are very good at taking penalty kicks so if it came to a six-footer for the Ryder Cup, I'd have every confidence in Martin making those putts all the time. "From reaching the green it felt like it took an eternity, especially those last seconds. "It's one of the most remembered celebrations in golf now, isn't it? Martin just running off to Sergio and leaving me in limbo to shake Steve's hand and put the flag back in the hole." Connelly smiled at the memory of being a part of such scenes, saying: "That was by far the most amazing experience I've ever had." This year, he has shared in Kaymer's victories in the US Open and Players' Championship. It would be fitting if Connelly could round off a stellar season by playing another instrumental role in retaining the Ryder Cup, and this time in his native Scotland.

Share this page Miracle of Medinah: How Seve's spirit inspired Europe success - CNN.com Miracle of Medinah: How Seve's spirit inspired Europe success By Piers Edwards, CNN Updated 1114 GMT (1914 HKT) October 2, 2012 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. Photos: The greatest sporting comebacks Mission Improbable – German Martin Kaymer milks the moment as his putt on the 18th green ensures Europe will retain the Ryder Cup. His defeat of Steve Stricker capped an improbable comeback, as the Europeans triumphed 14½-13½ despite trailing 10-4 at one stage on Saturday. Hide Caption 1 of 10 Photos: The greatest sporting comebacks Rose in bloom – Justin Rose punches the air as he caps an unlikely comeback of his own, defeating Phil Mickelson on the 18th green after being one down with two to play. The American described his loss as one of the turning points of the 2012 Ryder Cup.

Hide Caption 2 of 10 Photos: The greatest sporting comebacks Battle of Brookline – Europe's victory echoed the 1999 Ryder Cup, where the U.S. also came from 10-6 down to win 14½ - 13½. The 'Battle of Brookline' was bathed in controversy as U.S. players stormed the 17th green in celebration at s crucial Justin Leonard putt. Golfing etiquette had been broken as Leonard's opponent, Jose Maria Olazabal, could still have squared their match. Hide Caption 3 of 10 Photos: The greatest sporting comebacks Lawrie load of glory – Jean Van de Velde (middle) looks bewildered as he reflects on his defeat in the 1999 British Open. The Frenchman blew a three-shot lead on the final hole, so forcing a play-off with Justin Leonard (right) and Scotland's Paul Lawrie (left) which the latter won to seal his first major, despite trailing Van de Velde by an enormous 10 strokes before the final round took place.

Hide Caption 4 of 10 Photos: The greatest sporting comebacks Turkish delight – Liverpool players celebrate with goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek (in black) after the English side completed their remarkable comeback against Italians AC Milan in the 2005 European Champions League final. Trailing 3-0 at half time, Liverpool scored three goals in six second half minutes in Istanbul to force extra time and a penalty shoot-out, which they won 3-2. Hide Caption 5 of 10 Photos: The greatest sporting comebacks Blue Moon – Players and fans of Manchester City celebrate after winning their first English title since 1968. City trailed Queens Park Rangers 2-1 but scored two stoppage time goals to win 3-2 - and so deny city rivals Manchester United the title. The success echoed United's 1999 Champions League triumph in Barcelona, where they beat Bayern Munich 2-1 despite trailing after 90 minutes. Hide Caption 6 of 10 Photos: The greatest sporting comebacks The Icemen cometh – Having won the last four gold medals, the Soviet Union were hot favourites to win ice hockey gold at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Few expected Team USA - made up of amateur and college players - to stop them but they defied the odds to beat the Soviets 4-3 in a semifinal which became known as 'The Miracle on Ice.' They went on to win gold against Finland in the final. Hide Caption 7 of 10 Photos: The greatest sporting comebacks Comeback King – Despite being two sets and 5-1 down in his semifinal, Frenchman Henri Cochet managed to win the 1927 Wimbledon title. He stunned the world No. 1, American Bill TiIden, in the semis before repeating his escapology act in the final, trailing by two sets once more and surviving six match points before rallying to win in five sets for a third successive game. Hide Caption 8 of 10 Photos: The greatest sporting comebacks 'The 438' – It is the one-day cricket international that may never be equalled. Set a world record score of 435 to win in their allotted 50 overs, Graeme Smith's South Africa beat Australia in Johannesburg after racking up 438 runs, with just one wicket and one ball to spare.

Hide Caption 9 of 10 Photos: The greatest sporting comebacks Mariners run adrift – It is baseball's greatest fairytale comeback. In August 2001, the Seattle Mariners were on their way to equalling the major league record of 116 victories in a season. They led the lowly Cleveland Indians 14-2 at the halfway stage and though the Indians rallied they still needed five full runs with only one out remaining - and got them to win 15-14 in the 11th innings, with Kenny Lofton grabbing the crucial score. Hide Caption Europe staged a stunning fightback to snatch the Ryder Cup from U.S. grasp The U.S. had seemingly built up an unassailable lead before huge turnaround Leadership specialist tells CNN memory of Seve Ballesteros drove Europeans on European captain Jose Maria Olazabal was close friend of late Spaniard Even though the Ryder Cup prize ceremony took place at Medinah long after the sun had set, the staggering nature of Europe's triumph eclipsed the gloom -- and left many golf fans wondering how the visiting side had recorded the most remarkable comeback in the competition's 85-year history.

Trailing 10-4 at one point on Saturday, and 10-6 as Sunday's singles got underway, the team led by Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal defied the odds to win a record eight-and-a-half points on the final day and thus the trophy itself. As darkness enveloped Medinah Country Club in Chicago, Europe's captain Olazabal talked of how the spirit of Seve Ballesteros had been key to his team's success. Inspirational and flamboyant, Ballesteros won five major championships, revolutionized the European Tour and revelled in the passion of a Ryder Cup battle with the United States. He died in 2011 after a long battle with cancer. "Our team played in the spirit of Seve without ever giving up," Olazabal said. Read: U.S. stunned as Europe wins Ryder Cup For leadership and teamwork specialist Khoi Tu -- a man who has advised Formula 1 champions and some of the world's leading companies -- the spirit of Ballesteros hung heavy over the European team.

"The thing that Europe had -- distinct to the United States -- was the notion of playing for Seve, and teams are often at their best when playing for an idea," says Tu, whose book 'Superteams' will be published next month. JUST WATCHED Team Europe relishes Ryder Cup win 02:41 JUST WATCHED Europe's historic Ryder Cup comeback 02:56 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Peter Hanson, center, and Francesco Molinari of Europe celebrate their team winning the 39th Ryder Cup on Sunday, September 30, in Medinah, Illinois. Europe produced the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history to defeat the United States and retain the trophy. See more of the best of CNN's photography. Hide Caption 1 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Nicolas Colsaerts, left, celebrates with fans after Europe beat the United States on Sunday. The biennial competition pits the best pro golfers from the United States against their European counterparts.

Hide Caption 2 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – European team captain Jose Maria Olazabal holds the Ryder Cup at the closing ceremonies on Sunday. Hide Caption 3 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Martin Kaymer is mobbed by the European team after he made the winning putt on the 18th green on Sunday to cinch the Ryder Cup. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Martin Kaymer of Europe celebrates making the decisive putt. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Martin Kaymer sets up the final putt on the 18th green. Hide Caption 6 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Rory McIlroy of Europe celebrates after Martin Kaymer sinks his putt on the 18th green Sunday. Hide Caption 7 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Martin Kaymer putts on the final hole Sunday to secure Europe's win.

Hide Caption 8 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A U.S. fan high-fives Team Europe's fans after their Ryder Cup victory on Sunday. Hide Caption 9 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Rory McIlroy of Europe greets Tiger Woods on the 18th green after Europe defeated the United States 14.5 to 13.5 to retain the Ryder Cup. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Europe's Sergio Garcia, left, and Ian Poulter celebrate Sunday. Hide Caption 11 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A European supporter watches the play during the singles matches on Sunday. Hide Caption 12 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Justin Rose of Europe celebrates a birdie putt on the 18th green to defeat Phil Mickelson on Sunday.

Hide Caption 13 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Jason Dufner of the United States, left, shakes hands with Peter Hanson on the 18th green after Dufner defeated Hanson. Hide Caption 14 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Davis Love III waits with some of his team on Sunday at the end of the singles matches. Hide Caption 15 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Ian Poulter of Europe hits a shot from the rough on the 18th hole Sunday. Hide Caption 16 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Europe's Francesco Molinari celebrates with his caddie, Jason Hempleman, on the 18th green Sunday after his match with Tiger Woods. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Tiger Woods waits on a hole during Sunday's singles matches. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Fans reach for a golf ball Sunday on the 17th green.

Hide Caption 19 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Steve Stricker of the United States reacts to a missed putt on the 17th green as Martin Kaymer of Europe looks on during Sunday's competition. Hide Caption 20 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Jim Furyk of the United States lines up a putt with his caddie, Mike Cowan, on the 17th green. Hide Caption 21 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Lee Westwood of Europe, left, shakes hands with Matt Kuchar on the 16th green after defeating him Sunday. Hide Caption 22 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Steve Stricker of the United States lines up a putt on the 16th green during a match Sunday against Martin Kaymer of Germany. Hide Caption 23 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the United States plays a bunker shot on the 14th hole on Sunday.

Hide Caption 24 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Luke Donald of Europe hits from the drop zone Sunday on the 13th hole. Hide Caption 25 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A message of support for Team Europe is written in the sky during the Sunday's single matches. The United States started the day with a seemingly insurmountable 10-6 lead. Hide Caption 26 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Graeme McDowell of Europe crosses a bridge during the singles matches on Sunday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A U.S. fan watches the matches on Sunday. Hide Caption 28 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Webb Simpson of the United States hits his tee shot on the 13th hole Sunday. Hide Caption 29 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Luke Donald of Europe celebrates after saving bogey Sunday on the 13th green.

Hide Caption 30 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Martin Kaymer of Europe plays a bunker shot on the ninth hole Sunday. Hide Caption 31 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Zach Johnson of the United States reacts to a shot on the ninth hole Sunday as Graeme McDowell, right, and his caddie, Ken Comboy, of Europe look on. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A U.S. team caddie wears patriotic shoes on Sunday. Hide Caption 33 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Ian Poulter of Europe plays a bunker shot Sunday on the fourth hole. Hide Caption 34 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Luke Donald of Europe watches his tee shot on the third hole Sunday. Hide Caption 35 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Fans watch the play on the first tee during the singles matches of the Ryder Cup on Sunday.

Hide Caption 36 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Bubba Watson of the United States, left, greets Luke Donald of Europe on the first tee Sunday in Medinah. Hide Caption 37 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Bubba Watson of the United States watches his tee shot on the first hole Sunday. Hide Caption 38 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A sea of fans crowds around the first tee near the clubhouse Sunday. Hide Caption 39 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Luke Donald of Europe plays a bunker shot on the fifth hole on Sunday. Hide Caption 40 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Tiger Woods of the United States watches from the fairway on the first hole Sunday. Hide Caption 41 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Tim Finchem, from left, Jack Nicklaus and Jeff Sluman watch the action on the first tee Sunday.

Hide Caption 42 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the United States hits his tee shot on the first hole Sunday. Hide Caption 43 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Rory McIlroy of Europe lines up a shot with his caddie J.P. Fitzgerald on the third tee on Sunday. Hide Caption 44 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Team USA Assistant Captain Fred Couples stirs up the crowd during play Sunday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Team Europe's Luke Donald tees off from the first hole Sunday. Hide Caption 46 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Ian Poulter of Europe celebrates after making a birdie on the first hole Sunday. Hide Caption 47 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – European fans cheer at the start of the final day of play at the 39th Ryder Cup on Sunday.

Hide Caption 48 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley rallies U.S. fans on the first tee at the start of the day Sunday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup 05 ryder cup 0930 – Team USA fans cheer from the stands Sunday. Hide Caption 50 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Former U.S. President George W. Bush shakes hands with Fred Couples, assistant captain of Team USA on Saturday, September 29. Hide Caption 51 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Bush reaches to shake the hands of spectators at the tournament Saturday. Hide Caption 52 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Tiger Woods of the United States scopes out a putt on the 17th hole during four-ball play Saturday. Hide Caption 53 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Team Europe's Rory McIlroy laments a missed putt on the seventh hole during foursomes on Saturday.

Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Dustin Johnson of Team USA contemplates his next play on Saturday. Hide Caption 55 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Webb Simpson of the United States waits in the fifth fairway with his caddie Paul Tesori on Saturday. Hide Caption 56 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Team USA's Phil Mickelson, left, and Team Europe's Lee Westwood of England study the fifth green during a morning foursomes match on Saturday. Hide Caption 57 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Ian Poulter of Europe lines up a putt on the 16th green on Saturday. Hide Caption 58 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Tiger Woods of the U.S. hits his tee shot on the first hole Saturday afternoon. Hide Caption 59 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Zach Johnson of American team reacts to a putt on the 12th hole on Saturday.

Hide Caption 60 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Webb Simpson of the United States plays a bunker shot on Saturday. Hide Caption 61 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A crowd gathers at the 17th green on day two of the competition. Hide Caption 62 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Sergio Garcia of Europe hits the second shot on the third hole on Saturday. Hide Caption 63 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – European fans watch the play from a golf cart during day two. Hide Caption 64 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the United States stares down a putt on Saturday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A fan of the U.S. golfers watches the action.

Hide Caption 66 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Team Europe's Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits out of the eighth hole's tee box on Saturday. Hide Caption 67 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Phil Mickelson of the United States drives with his wife Amy Mickelson on the 16th green. Hide Caption 68 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Ian Poulter of Europe celebrates after holing a putt on the 12th hole Saturday. Hide Caption 69 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Poulter and Justin Rose of Team Europe embrace after winning their match on Saturday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Two U.S. fans watch the competition on Saturday. Hide Caption 71 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Webb Simpson of the USA waits in the fifth fairway with his caddie Paul Tesori.

Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – USA fans cheer on the first tee on Saturday. Hide Caption 73 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Golfer Justin Rose of Europe lines up a putt on the first green. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A fan looks at a map on Saturday. Hide Caption 75 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – American Phil Mickelson watches his tee shot on the fourth hole as Lee Westwood of Europe looks on. Hide Caption 76 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Graeme McDowell of Europe hits his tee shot on the first hole on Saturday. Hide Caption 77 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Bubba Watson of the USA watches his tee shot on the second hole. Hide Caption 78 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the USA reacts after putting on the fifth green on Saturday.

Hide Caption 79 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A message is written in the sky in remembrance of Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros, who died of brain cancer last year, during day two of the competition. Hide Caption 80 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the USA hits out of the bunker on the 16th green after defeating Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell on Friday, September 28. Hide Caption 81 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the USA urges a putt to drop on the 15th green during the afternoon four-ball matches. Hide Caption 82 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, right, jumps in the air while speaking with teammate Sergio Garcia of Spain, ssecond left, on the 10th fairway on Friday.

Hide Caption 83 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Americans Matt Kuchar and Dustin Johnson were paired in the afternoon four-ball matches on Friday. Hide Caption 84 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley celebrate on the 17th green with Amy Mickelson and Jillian Stacey after defeating Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell 2 and 1 during the afternoon four-ball matches on Friday. Hide Caption 85 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – McIlroy and McDowell, both of Northern Ireland, wait on the first tee on Friday afternoon. Hide Caption 86 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – McIlroy and McDowell walk across a bridge ahead of the gallery on Friday. Hide Caption 87 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – McIlroy reacts with dismay to his shot from the 10th fairway on Friday.

Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Fans watch the play on the 17th hole on Friday. Hide Caption 89 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Tiger Woods makes birdie on the 16th hole in Friday's afternoon matches. Hide Caption 90 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Peter Hanson of Europe plays a bunker shot on the second hole during the afternoon four-ball matches on Friday. Hide Caption 91 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Tiger Woods of the USA reacts to a poor tee shot on the 15th hole on Friday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – European fans watch the actiion in flamboyant outfits on Friday. Hide Caption 93 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley celebrate on the 15th green after defeating Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia during the morning foursome matches on Friday.

Hide Caption 94 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Martin Kaymer plays a bunker shot on the third hole during the afternoon four-ball matches on Friday. Hide Caption 95 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – European fans get into the spirit during the afternoon four-ball matches on Friday. Hide Caption 96 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker line up a putt during the morning foursome matches on Friday. Hide Caption 97 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell of Europe get a ruling on their ball on the 18th hole Friday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Team Europe's Graeme McDowell chips onto the second hole's green Friday. Hide Caption 99 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Fans watch during the morning foursome matches Friday at the Medinah Country Club.

Hide Caption 100 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the United States reacts after putting on the 14th green Friday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Team Europe's Graeme McDowell drives off the 15th tee Friday. Hide Caption 102 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Luke Donald of England, left, and Sergio Garcia of Spain look over their putt on the sixth hole Friday. Hide Caption 103 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Tiger Woods signs his glove for a fan who was struck in the head during his drive off the seveth tee on Friday. Hide Caption 104 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Phil Mickelson plays a bunker shot on 10th tenth hole on Friday. Hide Caption 105 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia of Europe line up a putt on the seventh hole on Friday.

Hide Caption 106 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Graeme McDowell of Europe watches a shot during the Morning Foursome matches of the Ryder Cup on Friday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Phil Mickelson hits a shot on the fifth hole on Friday. Hide Caption 108 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley celebrates on the 15th green after he made birdie to defeat the team of Donald and Garcia during the Morning Foursome matches on Friday. Hide Caption 109 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Rory McIlroy of Europe hits a shot onto the green on Friday. Hide Caption 110 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Justin Rose of Europe celebrates on the fourth hole after a long putt at the 39th Ryder Cup Friday at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois.

Hide Caption 111 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Lee Westwood of Europe watches his tee shot on the first hole Friday. Hide Caption 112 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Phil Mickelson of the United States kisses his wife Amy on the first tee Friday. Hide Caption 113 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Basketball legend Michael Jordan waits on the first tee during the matches. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A fan of the European team watches the play. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – USA fans cheer the players on the first tee Friday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – American golfer Tiger Woods chips on the first hole. Hide Caption 117 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Steve Stricker of the United States hits a shot from the rough on the first hole.

Hide Caption 118 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Luke Donald of Europe hits his tee shot on the first hole. Hide Caption 119 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia of Europe celebrate on the fifth green on Friday. Hide Caption 120 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Phil Mickelson of the United States plays a bunker shot during the fourth and final preview day of the 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club on Thursday, September 27. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A Team Europe supporter watches the action Thursday. Hide Caption 122 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Dustin Johnson, left, and Tiger Woods of the United States laugh during a practice round Thursday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Phil Mickelson, left, was paired with Keegan Bradley on Thursday.

Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Fans wait for autographs during Thursday's practice round. Hide Caption 125 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Rory McIlroy of Europe kicks a PGA ball in between play of the practice round Thursday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – McIlroy takes a bow Thursday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Miguel Angel Jimenez of Europe watches the play Thursday. Hide Caption 128 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Ian Poulter of Europe stands over a ball in the fairway Thursday. Hide Caption 129 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – 2012 Masters champion Bubba Watson, center, walks with U.S. teammate and U.S. Open winner Webb Simpson during a practice round Thursday.

Hide Caption 130 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – McIlroy talks with vice captain Darren Clarke during the final preview day Thursday. Hide Caption 131 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Zach Johnson, right, and Jason Dufner of the United States pratice putting on the 17th green Thursday. Hide Caption 132 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Zach Johnson signs autographs for fans after finishing the 18th hole on Thursday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Members of Team Europe practice Thursday. Hide Caption 134 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Matt Kuchar chats with U.S. teammate Webb Simpson on the practice ground on Thursday. Hide Caption 135 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Team U.S.'s Tiger Woods reaches for a golf ball on the practice ground on Thursday.

Hide Caption 136 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – U.S. players Matt Kuchar and Bubba Watson hit shots on the practice ground Thursday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – British fans wear their loyalties on their sleeves Wednesday, September 26. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Ian Poulter of Europe practices near his teammates' golf bags Wednesday. Hide Caption 139 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – U.S.'s Jim Furyk plays his approach shot to the 12th green on Wednesday. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – A U.S. fan takes photos Wednesday. Hide Caption 141 of 144 Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Members of the U.S. team practice Wednesday on the 13th green at Medinah, outside Chicago. Hide Caption Photos: Photos: Best of Ryder Cup Best of Ryder Cup – Patriotism is on display across the course Wednesday.

Hide Caption Trinidad Express Newspapers: | Europe hails Ryder Cup 'Miracle of Medinah' Europe hails Ryder Cup 'Miracle of Medinah' Published on Oct 1, 2012, 8:48 pm AST Twitter 1349142079931sp5 THRILLED: Members of the European team celebrate with the trophy after winning the Ryder Cup golf tournament, at the Medinah Country Club, in Medinah, Illinois, USA, on Sunday. �Photo: AP (BI) Feedloader User l LONDON The Miracle of Medinah. One of sport's greatest comebacks was celebrated across the continent with those words, yesterday, after Europe's historic and emotional victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup. Nowhere was the win more special than in Spain, the home of European captain Jose Maria Olazabal and the inspirational late Ryder Cup stalwart Seve Ballesteros.

"This one is for you, Seve," ran the front-page headline of Spanish sports daily Marca, echoing the thoughts of Olazabal and all of Europe's players who overcame a 10-4 deficit late Saturday afternoon to win 14 1/2-13 1/2 in Medinah, Illinois, USA. Ballesteros, who died from a brain tumour in May 2011, was everywhere on Sunday. His image adorned European bags and shirts, his name was sung by Europe's fans well into the night and his spirit was invoked by players wearing the navy trousers and white polo shirt that were the Spaniard's trademark. His name was on everyone's lips yesterday, too. "What happened yesterday (Sunday) went beyond sports�what that group of individuals achieved was incredibly difficult," Ivan Ballesteros, Seve's nephew and vice president of the Seve Ballesteros foundation, told The Associated Press by telephone.

"We want to thank Jose Maria for remembering Seve not just throughout the week but for always keeping his memory alive." Ballesteros' family kept it simple on their official website with the message: "Thanks Europe, Thanks Jose Maria." The British media, already spoiled by an unprecedented summer of sporting success this year that included the London Olympics, added another memorable triumph to the list. "After London 2012, Bradley Wiggins, Andy Murray and the rest, we were due an anti-climax. But this sporting year is incapable of dullness, one-sidedness, hollow drama," the Daily Telegraph said. Britain had heroes everywhere--from Luke Donald beating Bubba Watson in the opening singles to the tight victories secured by Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood. Justin Rose beat Phil Mickelson with a birdie at the 17th that was perhaps the key turning point Sunday. And then there was Ian Poulter, who started Europe's charge by making five straight birdies in the final match of Saturday's fourballs to take a crucial point and leave the score at 10-6 going into the final day.

"I'm officially taking two years off and I'll see you at the next one," said Poulter, who won a match-high four points and was labelled the "modern-day Seve" by McIlroy. It was a German, Martin Kaymer, who rolled in a putt on the 18th hole to beat Steve Stricker on Sunday and ensure that Europe retained the Cup. "I never had such a feeling before," Kaymer said. "I'll never forget it and I'll be telling my grandchildren about it." Pictures of the German celebrating his putt�pumping both fists�were splashed across newspaper front pages. "Wunderbar," blared the headline in Britain's Daily Express. With a nod to Europe's economic troubles, the Irish Times said: "Martin Kaymer, a cool German, gave Europe a massive bailout that contributed to the most unlikeliest comeback in Ryder Cup history." Twitter was awash with Ryder reaction from sports personalities past and present who stayed up late to cheer on Europe from afar. "The victory was epic!" Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, a keen golfer, tweeted.

Paul Casey, an English golfer who played in three Ryder Cups from 2004-08, added: "Woke up this morning and it wasn't a dream. The most amazing Ryder Cup ever! Well done lads, especially JMO." Four-time Olympic rowing gold medallist, Matthew Pinsent of Britain offered his own take. "Ironic that in the cold light of morning the US played better in the team formats than we did and EUR were great 'individually,'" Pinsent tweeted. Belgium�hardly a golfing stronghold�revelled in having one of its own in the winning lineup. Nicolas Colsaerts was a virtual unknown in Belgium a few months ago, but Europe's biggest hitter graced the front pages of two of the country's main newspapers, yesterday, after making a memorable debut that included beating Tiger Woods in Friday's fourballs. "After beating Tiger Woods on Friday, Colsaerts could celebrate again last night," boasted Belgium's Het Laatste Nieuws. The 2012 match, though, will forever be remembered as the one where Europe did Seve proud.

Olazabal failed to fight back the tears on Sunday as he dedicated victory to his close friend and playing partner at the closing ceremony. Yesterday morning, "Ollie" surfaced with bags under his eyes, clutching the Cup. "If someone had to write a script for it, that would be the ideal one," Olazabal said. "For that to happen, Seve had to have something to do with it." RELATED STORIES on

Question: Which golfer sank the crucial putt in the 2012 Ryder Cup to ensure that Europe retained the trophy?
Answer: MARTIN KAYMER